Envision Your Pathway

Earlier this week, as a Board Member, I had the opportunity to attend a Cohort for Envision Your Pathway. The students learned about project management and the skills needed to achieve specific project objectives according to project criteria within agreed-upon parameters. They engaged in hands-on activities, such as building the tallest tower using a box of spaghetti, a tray, tape, pieces of string, and a marshmallow. The task was to construct the tallest tower with specific constraints, such as not being able to use tape on the bottom to support the tower and placing the marshmallow at the very top. The students worked in groups of five, collaborating to strategize and come up with ideas for constructing their towers. Another activity they undertook was planning a party. This may have seemed simple, but it was quite complex, as they had to consider factors like location, weather, the number of guests, dietary restrictions, and budgeting for the party. A great deal of effort goes into organizing these cohorts, and I was impressed with how well it was put together. The program provided students with valuable information to be successful and allowed them to engage in hands-on activities that helped them realize many already possess these skills and should not limit their abilities. This challenge encouraged them to think outside the box and instilled confidence that they, too, can be successful if they apply themselves. Hats off to Kendra O'Donoghue and her team for their excellent work and for remaining dedicated to their mission of improving their communities by equipping students with the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to succeed.

This month, we are proud to highlight?Envision Your Pathway (EYP)—founded in 2020 as a volunteer-run, grassroots organization, EYP began with a single program: Visionaries. Today, EYP operates as a small nonprofit with one full-time Executive Director and five part-time staff, dedicated to serving Opportunity Youth ages 15-24 across Silicon Valley. In just four years, EYP has impacted over 200 youth, cultivating critical life skills, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement through innovative, data-driven programs. EYP empowers youth to design pathways aligned with their interests, passions, and values, supporting them to gain the dynamic skills needed to become civically engaged, self-determined, and confident in their competence. EYP has supported 12 youth cohorts, led 11 community-driven projects, and held two EYP Pitch Days, where youth present entrepreneurial ideas and receive seed funding. See a video about EYP’s impact?here: https://lnkd.in/gVqcbA3J A Compass for Success In contrast to traditional, prescriptive paths, EYP offers a “compass” approach, guiding youth toward agency, self-determination, and resilience. Their four core pillars—Vision, Practice, Community, and Agency—equip youth to define and navigate their journeys: Vision: Youth develop personal success visions and co-create community impact projects. Practice: Youth hone skills like communication, negotiation, project management, and entrepreneurship in real-life settings. Community: A network of mentors, allies, and peers supports and empowers each participant. Agency: Youth gain self-awareness, confidence, and a strong sense of their personal and collective power. EYP believes in meeting youth where they are and propelling them forward with tools to build resilience, confidence, and purpose. From fostering entrepreneurial mindsets to creating opportunities for civic engagement and personal growth, EYP equips youth with the skills they need to thrive in education, careers, and life. Join us in making an impact! Your donation or time as a volunteer helps us create pathways to success for the next generation of leaders in our community. Learn more and get involved at?https://lnkd.in/ggfiZajc?or email?[email protected].?